Patient deaths linked to doc’s prescribing practices

JONESBORO, Ga. - Clayton Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tracy Graham-Lawson, announced today that Dr. Narendra Kumar Nagareddy, was charged with Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, 16-13-41 by prescribing controlled substances while not acting in the usual course of his practice of Psychiatry and not prescribing same for a legitimate medical purpose.

Dr. Nagareddy’s arrest came after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’(DEA) Tactical Diversion (a DEA enforcement group comprised of DEA Agents, Diversion Investigators and State and Local Task Force Officers), the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office, the Clayton County Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, executed a search warrant at Dr. Nagareddy’s medical practice at 250 Arrowhead Boulevard, Jonesboro, GA. 30236. The search warrant stated that 12 of Dr. Nagareddy’s patients died of prescription drug overdose and the search warrant was limited to patient files and other related materials.

Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “This enforcement action is one of the many tools used by federal law enforcement in an attempt to keep powerful prescription pharmaceuticals off of the streets - many of which reach our youth. I commend all of the agencies and officers who were responsible for the success of this operation.”

Tracy Graham-Lawson, the Clayton Judicial Circuit District Attorney commented, “The investigation will be ongoing to determine whether there will be any additional charges.”

Michael J. Register, Chief of the Clayton County Police Department commented, “This operation not only shows the needed cooperation between law enforcement agencies but also shows the commitment we have in ensuring the safety of our citizens.”

Agents and officers also conducted a search at Dr. Nagareddy’s residence in McDonough, GA. No additional evidence was collected at his residence. Additional arrests and charges in this case may be forthcoming.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division Tactical Diversion Squad, the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office, the Clayton County Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.

For further information please contact the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office at 770-477-3450 or email Tracy.Lawson@co.clayton.ga.us.